CHURCH HISTORY
On August 20, 2006, Pastor Rich and Rhonda Hanssen birthed The Refuge in a small apartment in the city of Vicenza–with only 11 souls in attendance. In November 2006, they moved to Gazzo Padovano, met in the “taverna” (finished basement), gathered for fellowship lunches, and continued to do so for about five years.
In June 2007, through the providence of the Lord, The Refuge partnered with the Freedom Outreach International – Ministry to the Military (MTTM), which ministers in US military locations throughout Europe and Asia. On January 16, 2011, at the request of the MTTM International director and after prayerful consideration, Rich began pastoring a second church in Aviano, Italy near the US Air Force base. On September 11, 2011 The Refuge moved to its current home.
“The Lord has done great things for us, and we are filled with joy.” – Psalm 126:3
